Eiswein "Crystal" Eyholzer Roter

You might think that Switzerland would produce quite a lot of Eiswein given the climate and geography, but in fact nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality, Swiss Eiswein is very rare. It may only be produced in certain special locations where the climate allows it to be made on average about every 5 years. It is only made in tiny quantities and these rare specialtities which often go direct to the best regular customers. It is very difficult to find it on sale in a retail outlet, even in Switzerland.

This example from the Chanton stable is made from Eyholzer Roter (or Hibou) grapes grown in Vispertal amongst Europe's highest altitude vineyards.

The grapes, with 175° Oechsle, are harvested in the middle of the night at minus 12°C and immediately pressed frozen in a pre-chilled press. Small amounts of highly concentrated juice consisting only of sugar, acid and fruit from the frozen berries is the result.

This nectar, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, is fermented to make the Eiswein which then spends a year in small barriques before bottling.

The result is a very special wine indeed. Bouquet of mushrooms and forest floor. On the palate, hugely concentrated, unctuous, with sumptuous fruit and beautiful harmony of sugar and acidity. One of the world's most unusual and rare wines.